Historic church at 1 West 96th Street for sale. (Management Personnel: Who's News).

For the first time in is 100-year history, the First Church of Christ, Scientist, located at One We 196th St., is on the market for sale through the joint efforts of Richard Baxter and Nathaniel Rockett of Insignia/ESG and Barbara Stone of Regency Capital Realty.

The 33,000-SF Beaux-Arts structure, designed by famed architects Carrere & Hastings, is expected to sell for over $20 million. Prospective buyers include other churches and/or synagogues, private schools, universities and charitable foundations, some of which have rented the premises in the recent past for varying periods of time.

"The Church is architecturally magnificent and dominates a major corridor on the Upper West Side directly opposite Central Park West. Its many features include soaring carved and vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows designed by John LaFarge and a main sanctuary that seats close to 2000," said Stone who added that her firm's and Insignia's marketing efforts would focus on this rare opportunity to purchase such a unique property.

According to Baxter, "The church has decided to merge with the Christian Science Church located at 68th Street and Central Park in order to consolidate their functions and focus more on community outreach. This is a significant offering and we anticipate a great deal of interest from religious organizations and charitable and cultural institutions who are in need of expansion space."

The church offers 33,000 SF above grade with an additional 14,000 SF below grade. One West 96th St. offers 32 private offices, including six with fireplaces, among its many amenities. Located at the north corner of Central Park West and 96th Street, the property is situated on a plot of 15,000 SF with 100 feet on Central Park West and 150 feet on 96th St.

"We are selling our church in order that we may be more involved in church outreach work rather than historic buildings. By joining with another Christian Scientist Church, we will be better able to focus on our original purpose of providing a visible example of how God's work can be demonstrated in our community," said Catherine Byers, one of the members of the Board of Directors of the Church. "By selling our building and consolidating, we can redefine our purpose, re-group our congregations and re-dedicate ourselves in new ways to the cause of Christian Science. We plan to become an even more important and visible presence on the Upper West Side" notes Adrian Smith, another member of the Board of Directors. The church is a designated landmark and is one block north of the Upper West Side/Central Park Historic District. It is also listed on the National Historic Register. That ensures that no exterior changes can be made without approval from the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission and maintains the ri ch, historical value of the properties and the area.